SBIR-STTR Award

MLB has developed a ducted fan tail-sitter VTOL UAV to address the problems of operating rotorcraft or fixed wing UAVs from restricted areas or ships at sea. The V-Bat incorporates a ducted fan lift system instead of conventional tail surfaces on a streamlined airframe to provide VTOL performance with aerodynamic efficiency at high cruise speeds. The prototype V-Bat vehicle has demonstrated all phases of flight under manual control, indicating that the system has plenty of control authority in all operational regimes. It has demonstrated excellent aerodynamic performance, and robust structural and propulsive functionality. It has the payload/speed/range capability specified in the topic request, and we understand opportunities to improve efficiency and mission effectiveness. Hence we can concentrate on development and demonstration of control algorithms for robust autonomous operation. We will develop a medium fidelity simulator that includes a 6-DOF dynamic model of the proposed platform that accurately models the lift and drag coefficients and thrust limitations at all angles of attack. We will design control algorithm for all flight regimes, and we will emphasize robustness and safety especially during take-off and landing. We will demonstrate a subscale electric powered V-Bat tailsitter in flight tests.

Benefit:
Maximum mission flexibility requires that small UAVs be able to operate anywhere without requiring significant launch and recovery equipment. A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design can solve these problems, but achieving maximum duration and range performance similar to the best fixed wing designs has been challenging with conventional VTOL configurations (i.e. rotorcraft). Rotorcraft typically have poor range performance due to the excessive induced drag of the rotor system. They are mechanically complex, and pose greater danger to ground crews because of their exposed high-speed rotor blades. The V-Bat’s combination of VTOL operational convenience, with the safety of a shrouded fan and with fixed wing duration, in a small UAV system, will revolutionize the availability and utility of local situational awareness for UAV operations from confined areas. We are keenly aware of the mission pull for Tier II sized long endurance VTOL vehicles. Our design was originally solicited by a commercial customer for aerial photography. We have been approached by potential customers in several government agencies and by commercial groups seeking an anti-piracy solution. The opportunity for this vehicle class is substantial and diverse, and the need is immediate.

Keywords:
Vtol, Uav,Autonomous Control, Ducted Fan, Simulation, Flight Test Of Autonomous System,Transition Between Hover And High Speed Flight

MLB Co is leading a team that includes industry and university partners to deliver a VTOL vehicle that can perform long endurance missions in accordance with the Air Force requirements for Tier 2 class vehicles. Maximum mission flexibility requires that small UAVs be able to operate anywhere without requiring significant launch and recovery equipment. MLB's V-Bat VTOL design offers operational convenience with the safety of a shrouded fan and with fixed wing duration in a small UAV system that will revolutionize the availability and utility of local situational awareness for UAV operations from confined areas. Phase 1 design studies will be transformed into flight hardware that demonstrates the physical performance that was predicted. Design work will continue, as refinements are driven by incremental flight demonstrations, until the software supports fully autonomous operation in demanding environments, and the hardware delivers aerodynamic and propulsive capability that enables VTOL and the payload, speed and endurance required for Tier II missions. VTOL and endurance capability will be demonstrated both with a small electric V-Bat vehicle and a heavy-fuel powered vehicle suitable for the Tier 2 mission.

Benefit:
The V-Bat’s combination of VTOL operational convenience, with the safety of a shrouded fan and with fixed wing duration, in a small UAV system, will revolutionize the availability and utility of local situational awareness for UAV operations from confined areas. The opportunity for this vehicle class is substantial and diverse, both for military and commercial applications, and the need is immediate. The proposed activity will produce a fully functional autonomous vehicle and ground operator environment that will serve as a complete prototype for a commercial product.

Keywords:
Vtol, Uav, Tailsitter, Long Endurance, Uas, Ducted Fan, Transition Flight Control, Tier 2 Uas